How does one know whether a prophet or prophecy is of and/or from God?

[Grace777x70]

Personally I don't see anywhere in the NT where people called themselves by their title/function. Paul never called himself Apostle Paul nor did he call Titus - "Apostle Titus".

I don't agree with people calling themselves by a title because of their function in the body of Christ : Prophet Pat, Apostle Adam and in the same token this applies to Pastor Peter or Evangelists Evan.

We are so religiously trained today to think it is different if someone calls themselves Apostle Pat and we attack them for that and yet in our hypocrisy we have no problem calling someone Pastor so-and-so.

I don't think any of us should be named a title myself but I don't attack others for doing it. If we want to be 1/2 way honest - if we attack and denigrate those that call themselves by their title - like Apostle Adam or Prophet Pat - then we should do the same for Pastor so-and so or Evangelists so-and-so.

 

[Blain]

Before we all continue bickering I think we have to take into consideration the purpose of a prophet of God from both the old and new testament. In the old testament while yes many times they would be the thus saith the Lord kind of prophets have ever noticed that often times the children of Israel came to them for direction? The prophets back then gave prophecies yes but what was more important was that they had an ear for God's voice and spoke what they heard even if they really didn't want to.

Being a prophet back then was not really considered to be a blessing because you had to speak what God said to you even if it hurt even if people would stone you to death, in the new testament the role purpose and requirements of being a prophet changed they were no longer used as often to give a thus saith the lord often times a prophet was a person who was in tuned with God's voice and allowed his words to flow freely from their lips essentially being the very mouth and tongue of God himself and his words were always to build and encourage his children even in his correction and rebuking the purpose of his words spoken through his prophets was still the same he wanted to give life he wanted to teach to build and mold us.

To say that there are no more prophets today is simply incorrect I know of a few on here in cc alone even if they themselves do not know I have even seen prophets of God who are not yet saved but I see the fruits hiding deep within them I see who they are now I see what they have done in life and who they were but more than that I see who they can be

For instance Chad Kroeger the leader and singer of nickleback is one of these people, without even realizing it he has spoken prophetic utterances in some of his songs without even knowing it his words have helped and mended wounded broken hearts and have set a fire ablaze in a dead and empty soul and he is not even Christian.

so let me ask everyone here what do you think the role and purpose and qualifications of a prophet is?

 

[John146]

Usually when a prophet comes to preach at my church I cringe because it's such a fine line. I don't always believe everything they say (or wait until it actually happens to believe it). I don't believe in frauds like Benny Hinn whatsoever but people seem to buy into him. I remember a guy who prophesied that the U.S. Election was going to be cancelled and that Obama will continue to be president, that obviously did not happen. My parents and family member believed him but I being the smart one never believed him from the start and laughed. My question is how do we know whether a prophet is really legit and his or her words are from God? I'm never convinced by any I see but I know they exist out there. How can I distinguish who's fake or not?

A prophet is one who simply preaches from the word of God concerning the future. If the "prophet" is giving you information outside the word of God, then they're not a prophet.

 

[Blain]

A prophet is one who simply preaches from the word of God concerning the future. If the "prophet" is giving you information outside the word of God, then they're not a prophet.

So in your mind a prophet is like a psychic or fortune teller?

 

[garee]

Before we all continue bickering I think we have to take into consideration the purpose of a prophet of God from both the old and new testament. In the old testament while yes many times they would be the thus saith the Lord kind of prophets have ever noticed that often times the children of Israel came to them for direction? The prophets back then gave prophecies yes but what was more important was that they had an ear for God's voice and spoke what they heard even if they really didn't want to.

Being a prophet back then was not really considered to be a blessing because you had to speak what God said to you even if it hurt even if people would stone you to death, in the new testament the role purpose and requirements of being a prophet changed they were no longer used as often to give a thus saith the lord often times a prophet was a person who was in tuned with God's voice and allowed his words to flow freely from their lips essentially being the very mouth and tongue of God himself and his words were always to build and encourage his children even in his correction and rebuking the purpose of his words spoken through his prophets was still the same he wanted to give life he wanted to teach to build and mold us.

To say that there are no more prophets today is simply incorrect I know of a few on here in cc alone even if they themselves do not know I have even seen prophets of God who are not yet saved but I see the fruits hiding deep within them I see who they are now I see what they have done in life and who they were but more than that I see who they can be

For instance Chad Kroeger the leader and singer of nickleback is one of these people, without even realizing it he has spoken prophetic utterances in some of his songs without even knowing it his words have helped and mended wounded broken hearts and have set a fire ablaze in a dead and empty soul and he is not even Christian.

so let me ask everyone here what do you think the role and purpose and qualifications of a prophet is?

A prophet is one that simply declares the word of God. This whether its new or revealed before. The prophets today declare the existing will of God which is sealed up untill the end of time.. They would obey not to ad or subtract, now that we have the whole/perfect.

 

[Blain]

A prophet is one that simply declares the word of God. This whether its new or revealed before. The prophets today declare the existing will of God which is sealed up untill the end of time.. They would obey not to ad or subtract, now that we have the whole/perfect.

Interesting... may ask you what the word of God is to you and what it's purpose is? if in fact a prophet is one who simply speaks fathers heart for what purpose do you think God uses such children today? Is it to give a prophecy of tomorrow? is it to speak God's will? is it to edify encourage and build up his church even if given in the form of correction? is it all of the above?

 

[Blain]

I do not think we still have "Prophets per se" anymore, they were needed to say thus saith the Lord, now we have His Holy Word, from Genesis to Revelation. We still have a "Word of Knowledge" a prophetic uttering is still prophecy, its just done by the Holy Spirit through many people whom God might choose to use via the Holy Spirit who all Christians should have. To be a true Prophet of God most had to rid themselves of all worldly circumstances and many went into the desert, they had to separate themselves from worldly things. I think today we just overcome the world via the Holy Spirit. There are healing's and Miracles also, which is why I do not get you mentioning Brother Benny, he is a preacher who has a healing ministry, what does that have to do with prophecy ?

Because I've heard so called prophesies he has made that never came true. "the homosexual community will be destroyed with fire in the mid 90's". That's why I mentioned him as an example[/QUOTE]
you may be surprised to hear this but healing has everything to do with prophecy.

 

[stonesoffire]

Theres a difference between being prophetic and the office of the Prophet. Believers are prophetic by prophesying the works of God, and moving in wisdom and knowledge.

But, a prophet is in the headship of the Church. There should be the 5 fold ministry in each assembly or at least in a group of assemblies that gather together.

Everyone can tell the Prophet by how he operates. Is power and much fruit.

 

[Blain]

Theres a difference between being prophetic and the office of the Prophet. Believers are prophetic by prophesying the works of God, and moving in wisdom and knowledge.

But, a prophet is in the headship of the Church. There should be the 5 fold ministry in each assembly or at least in a group of assemblies that gather together.

Everyone can tell the Prophet by how he operates. Is power and much fruit.

What do you mean headship of the church? I have been told by many that I am a powerful prophet of God and whether I am or not is not of importance to me but say I am what they call me I could never view myself as a part of the headship of the church I only see a lowly servant.

 

[stonesoffire]

Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist, Pastor.

These are those who make up or should make up the leadership of an assembly. Its a call Blain. Many call themselves prophets and apostles when they are just prophetic. The office will be confirmed. Called out is another way to see it.

 

[LaurenTM]

Paul cast the demonic spirit out of a woman who was following them

16Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.

17She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”

18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

19When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. Acts 16

see, Paul knew the difference between an evil spirit telling the TRUTH and the Holy Spirit saying the same thing..

how many would be able to tell the difference?

why was Paul irritated if the girl was telling the truth? he knew it was an evil spirit...so again, how many would know the difference?

I am convinced many do not know the difference and think they do

are you aware that a demonic spirit can speak through a Christian and tell you things that only you think you know?

oh but Christians don't have demons? ok...if that is what you want to believe

my actual question however, is 'why do people run after so called prophets? can't you 'hear' God for yourself?

immerse yourself in the Bible..be familiar with what is real...that is your bedrock foundation


this is the most abused gift out there except for tongues

very very few are real...

pay no attention, most warnings are not heeded anyway...the reason God sent prophets to the Israelites in the OT was because they did not listen to the word they already had

same thing going on...itching ears? hang on...someone will scratch them for you shortly

 

[stonesoffire]

Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist, Pastor.

These are those who make up or should make up the leadership of an assembly. Its a call Blain. Many call themselves prophets and apostles when they are just prophetic. The office will be confirmed. Called out is another way to see it.

If you are called to be a Prophet Blain, you should accept the call and stand in the office. Don't take this as a personal insult please, but false humility can be a problem too. Accept the call humbly which means depending completely on God to fulfill it.

 

[stonesoffire]

A word from a Prophet is for confirmation of what God has been speaking to our hearts Lauren. But, also can give direction when one is seeking for it. Confirmation is the key, otherwise put it on the shelf and wait.

 

[LaurenTM]

so let me ask everyone here what do you think the role and purpose and qualifications of a prophet is?

that was well addressed on the first couple of pages...straight out of scripture

let the prophets speak 2 or 3

but this is a forum...not a church...and no one should try to assume that others should address them as a prophet

people have some romantic idea of what it is to be a prophet...if you are one, you know it

people are always breezing in and out of these forums calling themselves prophets although there has not been one in awhile

I won't say what I am thinking right now cause it won't be received anyway

but God knows

 

[LaurenTM]

A word from a Prophet is for confirmation of what God has been speaking to our hearts Lauren. But, also can give direction when one is seeking for it. Confirmation is the key, otherwise put it on the shelf and wait.

uh...no

a prophet ALWAYS speaks the word of God...both old and new

I believe someone can have a word of knowledge for someone...I've done so a good number of times myself...with accuracy but it is ridiculous for me to even say so in a forum...

I will never give myself to act on the words of another person...I did that years ago with disaster following...and I know others who did the same

what I know I have learned the hard way and at this point I will simply say I don't need you teaching me

I am open to being taught...but I have my teachers...but not in this forum

I wait on God...not for some 'prophet' to tell me what God Himself wants to tell me

when Nathan went to David, it was because David would not listen...so God sent Nathan

we each have the Holy Spirit in us now...like I said, people do not know what a prophet in the NT actually is

I find it hard to read some of the posts here because they show such a lack of what the Bible teaches

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Usually when a prophet comes to preach at my church I cringe because it's such a fine line. I don't always believe everything they say (or wait until it actually happens to believe it). I don't believe in frauds like Benny Hinn whatsoever but people seem to buy into him. I remember a guy who prophesied that the U.S. Election was going to be cancelled and that Obama will continue to be president, that obviously did not happen. My parents and family member believed him but I being the smart one never believed him from the start and laughed. My question is how do we know whether a prophet is really legit and his or her words are from God? I'm never convinced by any I see but I know they exist out there. How can I distinguish who's fake or not?

Deuteronomy 18:22
when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

 

[LaurenTM]

Deuteronomy 18:22
when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

EG...

that's the OT...the definition in the new is not the same and the Holy Spirit now indwells all believers...why did Paul say he wished ALL would prophecy?

was he expecting 1000's of OT prophets running around? hardly!...yet people insist on going into the OT for a defintion

can someone foretell the future? I have no doubt!...but that is up to God and yet so called modern prophets running around telling us all we should listen to them...they are liars! what they say does not even come true!

this is a bad subject to get into...not harping on you...just generally blabbing away and I think I will leave now cause ain't no one change what they already think and that frustrates me and I know how that ends

 

[missy2014]

God sends the prophets...not the other way around. People dont have to invite so called ''prophets''. If God has something today he will send that person and not the other way

I totally agree When God sends the prophets its serious for good and correction, discipline etc alot of responsibility on our parts . unfortunately people like my Dad who invite prophets to feel good about themselves isnt the way to go . God is the truth we need to look to him more and only him dont go 'inviting ' prophets

 

[eternally-gratefull]

EG...

that's the OT...the definition in the new is not the same and the Holy Spirit now indwells all believers...why did Paul say he wished ALL would prophecy?

was he expecting 1000's of OT prophets running around? hardly!...yet people insist on going into the OT for a defintion

can someone foretell the future? I have no doubt!...but that is up to God and yet so called modern prophets running around telling us all we should listen to them...they are liars! what they say does not even come true!

this is a bad subject to get into...not harping on you...just generally blabbing away and I think I will leave now cause ain't no one change what they already think and that frustrates me and I know how that ends

it is still the same, If someone claims to be a prophet and prophesy's, and the thing he said would happen does not come true, That man is no prophet..

God did not change..

 

[stonesoffire]

uh...no

a prophet ALWAYS speaks the word of God...both old and new

I believe someone can have a word of knowledge for someone...I've done so a good number of times myself...with accuracy but it is ridiculous for me to even say so in a forum...

I will never give myself to act on the words of another person...I did that years ago with disaster following...and I know others who did the same

what I know I have learned the hard way and at this point I will simply say I don't need you teaching me

I am open to being taught...but I have my teachers...but not in this forum

I wait on God...not for some 'prophet' to tell me what God Himself wants to tell me

when Nathan went to David, it was because David would not listen...so God sent Nathan

we each have the Holy Spirit in us now...like I said, people do not know what a prophet in the NT actually is

I find it hard to read some of the posts here because they show such a lack of what the Bible teaches

But, you just echoed what I said Lauren. Confirmation. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience.